KILLED IN ACTION

News was received in Nelson yesterday that Private J. C. Blackett, son of Mrs. Blackett, of Ngatitama street, had been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Private Blackett was educated at Nelson College, and was for a time in the Eastern Extension Company's sen-ice at Cable Bay. He then joined tlie staff of the Pacific Cable Board, and stationed at Norfolk Island, Fanning Island, and -Fiji. While a tFiji lie left 'the board's service, and for several years past he.had been managing plantations in various islands of the Fiji group. He was at Levuka when the news of the war reached him, and within half an hour he handed in his name for enlistment. He was a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen, and as no company was at that time being f-ent. from Jiji, ho made preparations to leave for Auckland, but ais there was no steamer for New Zealand for ten days, he sailed for Sydney, where he joined the First Reinforcements of the 2nd Battalion of the First Australian Infantry Brigade. Yesterday Mrs. Blacket received a letter from her son, -written in the trenches, and dated May 10th, in which he said he was cheerful and well, and up to that time had not received a scratch. He deplored the death of Colonel McLaren, whom he described' as a born leader, and an officer the men would follow anywhere. Old College boys will regret to hear of Jack Blackett's death, and general sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Blackett on the loss of her son.

Trooper Cyril Knight, killed in action at tho Dardanelles, enlisted ati Motueka with the local contingent, though lie was not a native of New Zer.laad. He was carrying on a photography business when ho enrolled, and for some time previously was engaged in proGpecting in the Mount Arthur district.

Private Cyril McNabb, killed in action at the Dardanelles, is a son of Mr and Mrs Edward McNabb, of Motueka, and is their second son to give his life for his Kino: and country (says tlie "Star"). 'Mr and Mrs Me Nabb have three other sons in training at Trentham—a magnificent record in patriotism. Tlie parents have received the intimation of their sons' death with great fortitude, worthy of the highest traditions of the race.

Trooper Frank Elliot. Hobson, killed in action at the Dardanelles, was a well-known run holder in the Ngatimoti district. His brother, Mr George Hobson, is a sheepfarmer residing on the Takaka Hills.